𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴, 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 (𝘣𝘹𝘣)

twenty two

hey guys! i posted this on my message board but just wanted to give a heads up to my next series! it's a wlw story and here's the description (: :

Moe Adams moves to the countryside when her birth mom is no longer able to take care of her. She's a nervous girl, who's never gotten along well with many people. She moves to a new school and instantly becomes a target for the star cheerleader Kiana Ramirez. Aside from her popularity and Moe's unwanted presence - they become unlikely friends.

tw: drug use, self-harm, internalized homophobia, homophobic slurs, depression, smoking, drinking

anyways hope this sounds interesting and you guys look forward to it!! enjoy this chapter !! <3

**
Benjamin woke up before Noah. Noah's new medication made him a lot sleepier, though he also just loved sleep.

Benjamin yawns before throwing the comforter off himself and going into the bathroom. He looks at himself in the mirror.

He felt off. Like things weren't in place. That's how he usually felt after an altercation with his father. He lets out a deep breath before grabbing his hair into a low ponytail.

He splashes his face with cold water before looking back into the mirror. Nope. He still didn't feel right.

He sighs and turns off the bathroom light, walking back into Noah's bedroom. Noah was still asleep and that made him upset cause now he had no one to talk to.

And with no one to talk to, he has to think.

Benjamin walks into the kitchen, looking around for something to clean. If he was cleaning, then he wouldn't have to sit and let his mind ponder.

He wouldn't say he got obsessive when it came to cleaning, but ever since he had the altercations with his ex Markus, cleaning was the only thing that kept him sane.

Though, it wasn't even a healthy cleaning obsession.

It started because of Markus. The day the two had a house party and Benjamin didn't clean up after. Markus was so upset with him.

It was the first time Markus had ever hit Benjamin.

Benjamin was tipsy and all he wanted was aspirin and some water.

"You're not gonna clean up?" Markus asked.

Benjamin giggles and shrugs. "We can tomorrow, Marky. One day won't hurt." Benjamin clings onto Markus' arm, trying to lead him to the bedroom.

Markus rolls his eyes and shoves Benjamin off of him. Benjamin didn't think much of it, maybe Markus was in a bad mood.

So he tries again.

Benjamin grabs Markus' arm, "Hey. What's the matter?"

"Look at this fucking place, Benjamin."

Benjamin furrows his brows, feeling himself sober up. "Why are you freaking out? What difference will a few hours make? Damn, I can clean up when I wake up-."

That's the first time Markus had ever hit Benjamin. His face stung. But it was different from when a bully had done it. Or even his dad.

Because Benjamin was actually in love with Markus.

Benjamin tries to get out of his hold, but Markus had a tight grip on his arm.

"I let you move into my place for free. So you can bet your ass you live under my rules, got it?"

Benjamin takes a gulp and looks down at Markus' hand. "Let go of me, please."

Markus does let go, but he doesn't move from where he was standing up against Benjamin. "Clean this fucking kitchen."

The next day Markus had surprised Benjamin in bed with breakfast. He'd went out and bought his favorite coffee and gave him a bouquet of roses.

Benjamin was confused as the previous night Markus didn't even sleep in the same room as him. Maybe he was just drunk, he thought.

Or maybe this was his way of an apology. Either way, Benjamin tried to push it out of his mind, which to some may sound stupid, but he truly thought it was a one-time thing.

Benjamin is pulled out of his thoughts when he hears Noah calling his name.

"Benny? Benny!"

Benjamin looks up from the sink and looks up at Noah. Noah furrows his brows and reaches ahead of the two of them, turning off the sink.

"Hey, you okay? I woke up and heard the sink running for like five minutes and...You've been scrubbing that dish for like...ever."

Benjamin looks down at the plate in his hands. His fingers were pruney and his nails had lost their color.

"Oh...Uh, sorry. I just...Spaced out."

Noah nods and leans down to kiss him on the forehead. "You sure? We can talk about yesterday if you want."

Benjamin blinks at him twice before turning back to the sink. "I'm okay. Really, it's fine."

Noah frowns, "Baby. You don't have to shut down in front of me. You know that." Noah places both his hands on Benjamin's shoulders.

Benjamin nods. "I know. But I promise, I'm fine," Benjamin turns around to face Noah. "Did you take your meds yet?"

"No. I don't want to. They make me sleepy. Back to you, though-."

"I said I'm fine!" Benjamin snaps. He takes a deep breath and shakes his head. "I-I'm sorry. I just don't wanna talk about it."

Noah nods his head, placing his hand on Benjamin's face. He leans in and kisses him once. "Okay. I'm sorry for nagging you."

"You don't nag me. I just...I don't feel any way about what happened. I just wanna forget about it."

"Okay. I just wanted to make sure you were alright."

Benjamin nods. "Thank you."

**